Multilayer polarizing grating mirror used for the generation of radial polarization in Yb:YAG thin-disk lasers

The design, fabrication and characterization of a multilayer polarizing grating mirror developed for an Yb:YAG thin-disk laser resonator are reported. The potential of the proposed solution is discussed together with the first demonstration of a radially polarized Yb:YAG thin-disk laser. (c) 2007 Optical Society of America.